FACTS  AND  REGULATIONS 

FOR 

CONSUMERS  of  WATER 


Issued  by  the 

DEPARTMENT  of  WATER  SUPPLY, 
GAS  and  ELECTRICITY 

CITY  OF  NEW  YORK 


CONTENTS. 


Offices  of  the  Department  and  Locations  of  Repair  Stations   2 

Source  of  Water  Supply   2 

Facts  of  Interest  to  the  Consumer   3 

Payment  of  Water  Bills   4 

How  to  Read  a  Water  Meter  and  Ascertain  if  it  is  Registering.  .  .  .  4-5 

Water  Waste  Facts     6 

Testing  Electric  and  Gas  Meters   8 

Rules  and  Regulations  Governing  the  Use  of  Water   9 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


DEPARTMENT  OF  WATER  SUPPLY, 
GAS  AND  ELECTRICITY. 


New  York  City, 

January  1 ,  191  1 . 

To  The  Citizens  of  New  York  City: — 

This  pamphlet  is  issued  for  the  purpose  of  saving  the  tax- 
payer money  by  calling  public  attention  to  certain  valuable 
information  concerning  the  consumption  of  water  and  the 
regulations  governing  its  use.  Persons  receiving  these 
pamphlets  should  retain  them  for  future  reference,  for  by  so 
doing  they  will  save  themselves  unnecessary  trips  to  the 
main  offices  of  the  Department  to  obtain  the  often  needed 
information  which  they  contain. 

I  wish  to  call  special  attention  to  the  vigorous  campaign 
against  water  waste  now  being  made  by  this  Department. 

Taxpayers  and  water  users  are  urged  to  co-operate  with 
the  Department  in  its  efforts  to  eliminate  costly  water  waste. 
By  your  co-operation  you  will  not  only  help  the  City,  but 
yourselves. 

Respectfully, 

HENRY  S.  THOMPSON, 

Commissioner. 


OFFICES  OF  THE  DEPARTMENT. 

Information  Relating  to  Matters  Concerning  the  Department  can 
be  Obtained  at  the  Following  Offices: 

Manhattan,  13-21  Park  Row  Tel.  8520  Cortland t . 

The  Bronx,  Municipal  Bldg.,  1 77t  h  St .  and  3d  Ave   "    3400  Tremont. 

Brooklyn,  Municipal  Bldg.,  Joralemon  Street   "    3980  Main. 

Queens,  Municipal  Bldg.,  Court  Sq.,  Long  Island  ("it v.  "     1900  C.reenpoint. 

Riclnnond,  Borougli  Bldg.,  St.  (ieorge,  S.  I   "     840  Tompkinsville. 


LOCATIONS  OF  REPAIR  STATIONS. 

A  corps  of  men  is  attached  to  the  following  stations  to  attend,  night 
and  day,  to  the  repair  of  water  mains  and  hydrants. 

Manhattan  and  The  Bronx. 

No.  Location.  Telephone 

1  128  Worth  Street  1293  Worth. 

2  212  West  35th  Street   360  Murray  Hill. 

3  427  East  87th  Street   221  Lenox. 

4  Sylvan  Place  and  121st  Street   96  Harlem. 

5-  a  3482  Park  Avenue  3400  Tremont. 

6-  a  Webster  Avenue  and  201st  Street  3400  Tremont. 

6-b  506  West  185th  Street   233  Audubon. 

7  St.  Peters  and  Westchester  Avenue  3400  Tremont. 

Brooklyn. 

East  New  York. .  .137  Jamaica  Avenue   8  East  New  York. 

Western  District. .  .98  North  Portland  Avenue   174  Main. 

Eastern  District. . .335  Berry  Street  1152  Greenpoint. 

Coney  Island  Avenue  V  and  East  14th  Street   112  Coney  Island. 

Richmond. 

1  Castleton  and  Columbia  Avenues,  West  New  Brighton.  .315  West  Brighton. 

2  Little  Clove,  Richmond  Turnpike,  West  New  Brighton.  .  112-R  W.  Brighton. 

3  Main  Street,  Tottenville   35  Tottenville. 

Queens. 

Willet  Street,  near  Franklin  Avenue  192  Astoria. 

Levitt  Street,  near  State  Street   71-J  Flushing. 


SOURCE  OF  WATER  SUPPLY. 

If  you  live  in  Manhattan  or  The  Bronx  the  water  you  receive  comes 
from  the  Croton  watersheds  by  gravity  through  more  than  thirty 
miles  of  masonry  conduit,  or  from  Bronx  and  Byram  watersheds 
through  fifteen  miles  of  4S-inch  cast  iron  pipe.  These  watersheds  are 
over  382  square  miles  in  area,  360  square  miles  being  in  the  Croton  watershed.  The 
water  is  held  in  fourteen  reservoirs,  from  which  about  340,000,000  gallons  are  drawn 
eaeli  day  for  the  use  of  the  Boroughs  of  Manhattan  and  The  Bronx.  In  The  Bronx 
about  one-half  of  the  people  receive  Croton  water  and  the  other  half  water  from  the 
Bronx  and  Byram  Rivers. 

R      ,  .  In  Brooklyn  about  eighty  per  cent,  of  the  supply  comes  from  wells  and 

roo    yn  -g  natuniijy  filtered.    The  remainder  comes  from  small  streams  on  the 

south  side  of  the  island,  the  watershed  extending  to  the  Suffolk  County  line.  About 
190  square  miles  of  watershed  furnish  the  supply  which  amounts  to  150, 000, 000  gallons 
daily,  all  of  which  is  pumped.  This  is  exclusive  of  the  supply  of  Flatbush  and  Borough 
Park,  which  is  furnished  by  private  companies  from  wells. 

n  In  Queens  the  City  supplies  only  the  First  and  Third  Wards.  The 

queens.  water  jg  takpn  from  (jriv(,n  wplls  an(1  averages  about  14,000,000  gallons 

daily.    Private  companies  supply  the  rest  of  the  Borough. 

D .  ,  ,       In  Richmond.  City-owned  wells  furnish  the  supply  which  amounts  to 

Richmond.  s  -()0  ()0I)  gallons  daily. 


Manhattan, 
and 

The  Bronx. 


2 


FACTS  OF  INTEREST  TO  THE  CONSUMER. 

_  The  sources  of  supply  air  all  carefully  patrolled  and  samples  taken 

Ch  daily  from  various  points  are  examined  and  analyzed  at  the  laboratories 

maintained  by  the  Department. 

~     ,.  Taste  and  odor  in  the  water  are  caused  by  invisible  portions  of  plants 

Quality  that  ;uv  not  |lunnful  to  hra,th 

g       .  Except  after  a  heavy  rain,  dirt  in  the  water  is  usually  caused  by  iron 

pp  y'  rust  and  other  sediment  in  the  street  pipes,  house  pipes  or  tanks, 

being  stirred  up  by  unusually  large  drafts  from  mains,  such  as  is  caused  by  opening  a 
street  hydrant. 

p  The  City  is  not  legally  required  to  deliver  water  at  a  pressure  greater 

ressure.  than  is  necessary  to  carry  the  water  into  the  basements  of  houses. 

Effort  is  made,  however,  to  maintain  a  pressure  sufficient  to  raise  water  to  the  levels 
of  top  floors  of  buildings  of  average  height .  Complaints  of  lack  of  pressure  should  be 
sent  to  the  main  office  in  your  Borough. 

,     ■  If  you  notice  a  leaking  hydrant  or  escape  of  water  from  a  street  main, 

please  telephone  8520  Cortlandt,  the  headquarters  of  the  Department, 
or  3100  Spring  (Police  Headquarters).  In  this  way  the  proper  district  foreman  will 
be  notified  and  action  taken. 


INSPECTION  OF  PREMISES. 

Do  not  allow  any  person  claiming  to  be  a  Water  Inspector  of  this  Depart- 
ment to  enter  your  premises  unless  he  wears  the  regulation  uniform  of 
the  Department  and  shows  the  official  Department  Badge  with  the  words 
"Water  Inspector"  and  his  number  thereon. 

Where  Special  Inspectors  are  detailed  to  make  examinations,  when  not 
in  uniform,  they  are  required  to  present  a  letter  from  the  Water  Registrar 
that  the  bearer  is  an  employee  of  the  Department. 

All  Inspectors  are  requi red  to  wea r  the  official  Badge  of  the  Department. 

3 


PAYMENT  OF  WATER  BILLS. 


Bi..s  Payab.e. 


i  water  hills  arc  to  be  made  at  the  Bureau  of 
aeh  Borough.    The  Cashier  is  the  duly  author- 
zed  agent  of  the  W  ater  Registrar  and  the  only  person  empowered  to  receive  payments. 


Frontage  Rates. 

or  by  letter  by 

Ordinances). 


Meter  Rates. 

(30)  days  after 


Remittances 
By  Mail. 


Frontage  Rate  1'ills  are  due  and  payable  annually  in  advance  on 
the  first  day  of  May  in  each  year  and  arc  rendered  cither  personally 
the  Bureau   of   Water  Register.      (Section   283  of   the  General 


Bills  for  water  measured  by  meter  are  due  and  payable  when  ren- 
dered. Water  may  be  shut  off  if  meter  bills  remain  unpaid  thirty 
3  time  they  are  rendered. 

Postage  is  required  for  the  return  of  receipted  bills,  otherwise  they 
will  be  held  subject  to  order.  To  facilitate  this  prompt  return 
addressed  and  stamped  envelopes  should  accompany  checks. 


Hours  for 
Collection. 


Avoid 
Mistakes. 


f  the  Bureau  of  Wrater 
urday,  9  A.  M.  to  12  M. 


Money  will  be  received  by  the  Cashic 
Register  from  9  A.  M.  to  2  P.  M.  daily; 

Payments  tendered  in  person  other  than  at  the  hours  specified  will 
not  be  accepted. 

The  official  designation  of  property  is  by  Section  or  W  ard,  Block 
and  Lot  Number  (District  and  Plot,  Borough  of  Richmond).  Con- 
sumers should  examine  their  bills  carefully  to  see  that  they  are 
paying  on  the  right  property  by  comparing  the  Section,  Block  and  Lot  on  the  water 
bill  with  the  tax  maps. 

p      .  Section  476  of  the  New  York  Charter  states:    "The  annual  rates 

ena  y'  which  are  not  paid  to  the  Department  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and 

Electricity,  before  the  first  day  of  August  in  each  year  shall  be  subject  to  an  additional 
charge  of  five  (5)  per  centum  and  those  rates  not  paid  before  the  first  day  of  November 
in  each  year  shall  be  subject  to  a  further  additional  charge  of  ten  (10)  per  centum." 
Payments  must  be  received  during  the  hours  for  collection  on  or  before  the  last 
business  day  of  July  and  October,  or  interest  will  be  charged  as  provided  in  the 
Charter. 


Complaints. 


Complaints  made  to  the  Commissioner  or  Deputy  Commissioners 
of  the  different  Boroughs  will  receive  immediate  attention. 


THE  USE  OF  HOSE. 

The  use  of  hose  is  prohibited  except  when  the  supply  of  water  is  fully  metered  and 
permits  have  been  issued  by  the  Department.    (Subject  to  fine,  see  Rule  9) 


HOW  TO  READ  A  WATER  METER  AND  ASCERTAIN 
IF  IT  IS  REGISTERING. 

Consumers  are  advised  to  learn  how  to  read  a  water  meter  that  they  may  have 
the  necessary  information  relative  to  their  consumption  of  water. 

1.  Before  attempting  to  read  a  water  meter,  see  that  it  is  registering.  To  do  this 
you  must  turn  on  the  water  and  allow  it  to  pass  through  the  meter.  If  the  meter 
is  registering,  the  pointer  on  the  lowest  dial  will  move;  but  if  it  does  not  move  under 
these  conditions,  you  should  notify  the  W'ater  Department  at  once,  as  this  will  tend 
to  lessen  disputes  as  to  charge  for  water  consumed  while  your  meter  was  out  of 
order. 

2.  Commence  reading  the  meter  by  noting  carefully  the  value  of  the  unit  in  which 
the  dial  reads.  This  is  indicated  by  each  dial.  These  figures  indicate  the  value 
of  one  complete  revolution  of  the  pointer,  therefore,  each  division  of  a  dial  repre- 
sents one-tenth  of  the  amount  marked  against  each  dial.  It  should  further  be  noted 
that  one  complete  revolution  of  a  pointer  of  any  dial  is  equal  to  one  division  of  the  dial 
of  next  higher  value. 

3.  Care  must  be  taken  to  note  the  direction  of  movement  of  the  pointers  which  rotate 
on  alternate  dials  in  opposite  directions. 


4 


4.  Read  the  dials  commencing  with  the  one  marked  10  and  continue  in  the  order 
shown  by  figures  on  outside  of  each  dial,  setting  down  the  figures  as  read,. i.  e.,  the 
reading  of  the  10  dial  in  the  units  column;  that  of  the  100  dial  in  the  tens  column,  etc. 

5.  Always  set  down  the  figure,  on  each  dial,  that  lias  been  passed  last  or  is  just 
covered  by  the  pointer. 

Note  Carefully.  As  the  reading  of  each  dial  depends  upon  the  reading  of  the  one 
of  next  lower  value,  care  must  be  taken,  when  the  pointer  of  the  dial  being  read  is  close 
to  or  covering  a  figure,  for  unless  the  dial  of  next  lower  value  has  completed  a  revolution 
or  passed  the  0,  the  pointer  which  is  being  read  has  not  completed  the  division  upon 
which  it  may  appear  to  rest  and  the  last  figure  which  it  has  entirely  passed  should  be 
set  down  on  the  record. 

6.  When  the  meter  has  registered  its  full  capacity,  that  is,  one  complete  revolution 
of  the  highest  dial,  it  returns  to  0  and  starts  again.  Whenever  this  happens,  place  in 
front  of  the  reading  of  all  the  dials,  the  figure  1.  You  must  do  this  in  order  to  obtain 
the  present  reading. 

7.  Subtract  from  the  present  reading  the  previous  reading  and  calculate  the  differ- 
ence at  ten  cents  (10  cents)  per  100  cubic  feet,  and  you  have  the  amount  of  your  bill 
in  dollars  and  cents. 

There  are  two  types  of  meter  dials.  One  a  direct  reading  dial  which  needs  no  in- 
struction.   The  other  is  shown  below: 

Dial  10  Reads  5 

100  40 
"  1,000  300 

10,000  8,000 
100,000  90,000 


The  reading  is  98,345  cu.  ft. 


The  City  charges  for  metered  water  SI  00  per  1,000  cubic  feet. 

Meters  will  be  installed  and  repaired  by  City  plumbers  on  the  failure  of  property 
owners  to  have  this  work  done  within  the  time  specified  by  Department  orders.  The 
cost  of  such  work  will  become  a  lien  upon  the  property. 

IF  YOUR  BILLS  SEEM  TOO  HIGH  LOOK  OUT  FOR  WATER  WASTE. 

5 


WATER   WASTE  FACTS 


Each  citizen  of  New  York  must  either  directly  or  indirectly,  whether  bis  supply  is 
metered  or  not,  pay  towards  the  cost  of  water.  That  is,  water  wasted  even  by  consumers 
whose  places  are  not  metered  becomes  a  burden  on  them  through  the  necessity  for 
increased  taxation.  The  active  co-operation  on  the  part  of  consumers  to  check  the 
waste  of  water  would  help  to  reduce  this  expenditure  and  will  be  of  great  general  benefit 
to  the  City. 

When  closing  your  house  for  any  period  of  time  see  that  the  water  is  turned  off 
to  insure  against  a  leak  occurring  during  your  absence. 

Consumers  should  inspect  their  meters  frequently  to  guard  against  leaks  which  are 
often  the  cause  of  water  bills  being  larger  than  the  consumer  expects. 

To  determine  the  presence  of  hidden  leaks  consumers  should  occasionally  close  all 
outlets  and  observe  the  meter  to  see  if  it  registers  or  not. 

Do  not  neglect  leaking  toilets,  for  a  leaky  toilet  will  waste  from  $10  to  $30  worth  of 
water  a  year.  This  leak  may  occur  without  being  visible,  but  can  be  detected  by 
listening  on  the  pipe  leading  from  the  tank  or  on  the  tank  itself. 

If  care  is  exercised  when  installing  piping,  to  keep  the  hot  water  and  cold  water  pipes 
at  least  a  foot  apart,  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  let  a  faucet  run  to  get  a  cool  drink. 

Do  not  allow  roof  tanks  to  overflow.  This  is  a  very  important  source  of  water  waste 
an  1  can  be  eliminated  by  providing  tanks  with  ball  cocks.    (Subject  to  fine,  see  Rule  3.j 

Some  consumers  leave  the  faucets  open  on  cold  nights  to  prevent  freezing  of  water 
pipes.  This  is  a  violation  of  the  Department  rules.  Pipes  should  be  properly  protected 
and  the  City  water  saved.    (Subject  to  fine,  see  Rule  3.) 

If  consumers  notice  that  their  meters  are  damaged  or  not  registering,  they  may 
save  themselves  much  trouble  and  the  necessity  for  the  averaging  of  bills  over 
Long  periods  of  time,  if  they  will  report  trie  fact  immediately  to  the  Bureau  of  the 
Water  Register. 

Consumers  will  save  themselves  expense  by  faking  precautions  to  keep  their  meters 
protected  from  dirt  and  violence. 


6 


t£>  Drip,  Drip,  Drip, 

of  a  Leaking  Faucet  will  WASTE  ANNUALLY  from 
$2.00  to  $6.00  Worth  of  Water. 


WATER  FLOWING  THROUGH  AN  OPENING  THE  SIZE  OF 
THE  EYE  OF  A  NEEDLE, 

one  thirty-second  of  an  inch  in  diameter  and  under  a  pressure  of  thirty-nine  pounds, 
will  amount  on  a  meter  rate  basis,  to 

$11.68  ANNUALLY 

This  example  illustrates  the  large  amount  of  water  which  may  be  wasted 
through  small  leaks  where  the  general  idea  is  that  the  leak  is  too  insignificant  to 
warrant  attention. 

7 


SECTIONS  OF  PIPE  SHOWING  SOME  CAUSES  OF  WATER 

WASTE  AND  REDUCED  PRESSURE 

These  illustrations  show  only  a  few  of  the  many  causes  of 
the  waste  of  water,  as  well  as  the  reduced  pressure  resulting 
from  the  bad  condition  of  service  pipes    and  house  fixtures. 


Figure  1.  The  Effect  of  Corrosioi 
on  Black  Iron  Pipe  which 
has  been  Eaten  through. 

This  is  a  very  rommon  form  of 
leakage. 


Iron  Pipe  Damaged  by  Unequa 
Settlement. 


In  this  case  the  fracture  is  longitudinally  along  the  seam  and 
readdy  admits  of  large  leaks. 


2.      A  Leaking  Wiped  Joint. 

Due  to  poor  workmanship. 


of  Corrosion  and  Leakage. 

This  one-half  inch  pipe  is  so  corroded  that  the  open- 
g  would  scarcely  admit  of  a  very  small  stream. 


Examples  of  Badly  Corroded  Service 
Pipes. 

y  occurs  that  the  failure  of  water  to  reach 
;ven  the  second  story  of  a  building  is  caused 
of  pressure,  in  the  street  mains,  but  by 
ice  pipes. 


Figure  6.    The  Effect  of  Electrolysis  on 
Lead  Service  Pipe. 

The  lead  has  been  eaten  completely  away  in 
one  place  permitting  of  a  considerable  leak. 


In  consequence  of  corrosion  and  leakage,  cases  are  frequently  found  where  the  pressure 
on  the  street  main  as  taken  at  the  hydrant,  is  forty-five  pounds  and  that  on  the  first 
floor  of  an  adjacent  dwelling  is  only  three  or  four  pounds.  This  condition  when  dis- 
covered can  be  corrected  only  by  replacing  the  old  service  pipe  by  a  new  one.  It  can 
be  prevented  to  a  great  extent  when  the  service  is  first  laid  by  exercising  care  in  the 
selection  of  materials  used  and  by  procuring  good  workmanship. 

TESTING  ELECTRIC  AND  GAS  METERS. 

Electric  Meters. 

Any  householder  or  tenant  of  a  house  or  building  can  have  his  electric  meter  tested 
by  writing  by  registered  mail  to  the  Department  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Elec- 
tricity and  enclosing  two  dollars  ($2.00).  If  the  meter  does  not  comply  with  the 
legal  requirements,  the  two  dollars  will  be  returned.  If  the  meter  does  comply  with 
the  legal  requirements  the  two  dollars  will  not  be  returned.  In  either  case  a  full  re- 
port of  the  test  will  be  sent  to  the  applicant  for  the  test . 

Gas  Meters. 

Gas  meters  are  not  tested  by  this  Department.  They  will  be;  tested  if  a  request 
is  made  to  the  Public  Service  Commission  of  the  First  District. 


LAWS,  ORDINANCES  AND  REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  THE 
USE  OF  WATER  IN  NEW  YORK  CITY. 


The  following  extracts  from  the  Charter  of  Greater  New  York  and  the  Code 
of  Ordinance  of  the  City  of  New  York  relating  to  the  use  and  supply  of  water  are  pub- 
lished for  the  information  of  water  consumers: 

CHEATER  NEW  YORK  CHARTER. 

§  473.  The  Hoa  rd  of  Aldermen  shall  hereafter  have  all  power,  on  recommendation  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  ami  Electricity,  to  fix  and  toestahlish  a  uniform 
scale  of  rents,  and  charges  for  supplying  water  by  The  City  of  New  York,  which  shall 
be  apportioned  to  different  classes  of  buildings  in  said  city  in  reference  to  their 
dimensions,  value,  exposures  to  fires,  ordinary  use  for  dwellings,  stores,  shops,  private 
.stables  and  other  common  purposes,  number  of  families  or  occupants,  or  consumption 
of  water,  as  near  as  may  be  practicable,  and  modify,  alter,  amend  and  increase  such 
scale  from  time  to  time,  and  to  extend  it  to  either  descriptions  of  buildings  and  establish- 
ments. All  extra  charges  for  water  shall  be  deemed  to  be  included  in  the  regular  rents, 
which  shall  become  a,  charge  and  lien  upon  the  buildings  which  they  are  respectively 
imposed,  and  if  not  paid,  shall  be  returned  as  arrears  to  the  Collector  of  Assessments 
and  Arrears.  Such  regular  rents,  including  the  extra  charges  above  mentioned,  shall 
be  collected  from  the  owners  or  occupants  of  all  such  buildings,  respectively,  which 
shall  be  situated  upon  lots  adjoining  any  street  or  avenue  in  said  city  in  which 
the  distributing  water  pipes  are  or  may  be  laid,  and  from  which  they  can  be  supplied 
with  water.  Said  rents,  including  the  extra  charges  aforesaid,  shall  become  a  charge 
and  lien  upon  such  houses  and  lots,  respectively,  as  herein  provided,  but  no  charge? 
whatever  shall  be  made  against  any  building  in  which  a  water  meter  may  have  been 
or  shall  be  placed  as  provided  in  this  act.  In  all  such  cases  in  which  a  water  meter 
may  have  been  or  shall  be  placed  in  any  building  as  provided  in  this  act,  except  as 
hereinafter  provided,  the  charge  for  water  shall  be  determined  only  by  the  quantity 
of  water  actually  used  as  shown  by  said  meters,  except  as  otherwise  provided  bi- 
section four  hundred  and  seventy-five  of  this  act. 

§  475.  The  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity  is  authorized,  in  his 
discretion,  to  cause  water  meters,  the  pattern  and  price  of  which  shall  be  approved  by  the 
Board  of  Aldermen,  to  be  placed  in  all  stores,  workshops,  hotels,  manufactories,  office 
buildings,  public  edifices,  at  wharves,  ferry  houses,  stables,  and  in  all  places  in  which  water 
is  furnished  for  business  consumption,  and,  if  authorized  thereto  by  resolution  or  ordi- 
nance of  the  Hoard  of  Aldermen, in  all  apart  ment  houses, tenements, flat  houses  and  private 
dwellings,  so  that  all  water  so  furnished  therein  or  thereat  may  be  measured  and  known 
by  the  said  department,  and  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  ratable  portion  which 
consumers  of  water  should  pay  for  the  water  therein  or  thereat  received  and  used. 
Thereafter,  as  shall  be  determined  by  the  (  oinmissioner  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Elec- 
tricity, the  said  department  shall  make  out  all  bills  and  charges  for  water  furnished 
by  them  to  each  and  every  consumer  as  aforesaid,  to  whose  consumption  a  meter  as 
aforesaid  is  affixed  in  ratable  proportion  to  the  water  consumed,  as  ascertained  by  the 
meter,  except  that  when  by  any  cause  or  reason  the  meter  shall  fail  to  register  correct- 
ly, or  shall  by  any  defect  cease  to  record  the  water  passing  through  it,  or  where  said 
meter  shall  have  been  removed  from  a  building  for  repairs,  or  for  any  other  reason, 
then  the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity  shall  be  authorized  to 
charge  for  the  water  between  the  interruption  of  the  registry  of  said  meter,  at  the 
average  daily  registration  of  water  indicated  by  said  meter  for  the  period  of  three 
months  subsequent  to  its  repair  or  resetting  after  it  has  been  properly  repaired 
and  reconnected  to  the  service  pipes,  on  his  or  her  premises  or  place  occupied 
or  used  as  aforesaid.  All  expenses  of  meters,  their  connections  and  setting, 
water  rates  and  other  lawful  charges  for  the  supply  of  water  shall  be  a  lien 
upon  the  premises  where  such  water  is  supplied  as  now  provided  by  law. 
Nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  con>trued  so  as  to  remit  or  prevent  the  due 
collection  of  arrearages  or  charges  for  water  consumption  heretofore  incurred,  nor 
interfere  with  the  proper  liens  therefor,  nor  of  charges,  or  rates,  or  liens  hereafter  to  be 
incurred  for  water  consumption  in  any  dwelling  house,  building  or  place  which  may 
not  contain  one  of  the  meters  aforesaid.  The  moneys  collected  for  expenses  of  meters, 
their  connections  and  settings,  shall  be  applied  by  the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply, 
Gas  and  Electricity  to  the  payment  of  expenses  incurred  in  procuring,  connecting 
and  setting  said  meters. 

§  470.  The  annual  rents  which  are  not  paid  to  the  Department  of  Water  Supply,  (las 
and  Electricity  before  the  first  day  of  August  in  each  year  shall  be  subject  to  an*  addi- 
tional charge  of  five  per  centum,  and  those  rates  not  paid  before  the  first  day  of  Novem- 
ber in  each  year  shall  be  subject  to  a  further  additional  charge  of  ten  per  centum. 


9 


CODE  OF  ORDINANCES  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK. 

§  282.  The  Minimum  Annual  Rents  and  the  Special  Charges  to  be 
Collected  by  the  Department  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity  Sh^ll 
be  as  Follows,  to  wit: 

Front  Width. 

1G  feet  and  under  

1(5  to  IS  feet  

18  to  20  feet  

20  to  22  i  feet  

22^  to  25  feet  

25  to  30  feet  

30  to  37i  feet  

37 1  to  50  feet  


1  Story. 

2  Stories. 

3  Stories. 

4  Stories. 

5  Storie! 

$4  00 

85  00 

SO  00 

87  00 

$8  00 

5  00 

6  00 

7  00 

8  00 

9  00 

6  00 

7  00 

8  00 

9  00 

10  00 

7  00 

8  00 

9  00 

10  00 

11  00 

8  00 

9  00 

10  00 

11  00 

12  00 

10  00 

11  00 

12  00 

13  00 

14.00 

12  00 

13  00 

14  00 

15  00 

16  00 

14  00 

15  00 

1(5  00 

17  00 

IS  00 

The  apportionment  of  the  regular  frontage  rates  upon  dwelling  houses  is  on  the 
basis  that  but  one  family  is  to  occupy  (lie  same,  ami  for  each  additional  family  one  dollar 
per  year  shall  be  charged. 

Building  Purposes — Ten  cents  per  1,000  brick.    All  masonry  at  the  same  rate,  500 

brick  being  equal  to  one  cubic  yard. 
Plastering — Forty  cents  per  100  square  yards,  openings  not  included. 
Baths — All  baths  three  dollars  per  annum. 

Water-closets  and  Urinals — of  every  description,  two  dollars  per  annum. 
One  water-closet  and  one  bath  in  each  house  supplied  free  of  charge. 

Steam  lighters  and  tugboats,  H.  P  per  year  890  00 

Steam  lighters  and  tugboats,  L.  P  per  year  45  00 

Pile  drivers  and  hoisting  engines  per  month  5  00 

Steam  yachts  per  month  5  00 

All  others  per  month  5  00 

Water  boats  supplying  shipping  per  month  25  00 

METER  RATES. 

Water  meters  shall  be  placed  at  the  discretion  of  the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply, 
Gas  and  Electricity,  for  all  stores,  workshops,  hotels,  manufactories,  office  buildings, 
public  edifices,  on  wharves,  ferry  houses,  and  in  all  places  where  water  is  furnished 
for  business  consumption,  except  private  dwellings;  the  charge  for  water  measured  by 
meter  to  be  ten  cents  per  100  cubic  feet. 

All  charges  not  herein  mentioned  or  fixed  are  reserved  for  special  contract  by  and 
with  the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity. 

§  283.  All  rents  for  the  use  of  the  water  shall  be  paid  in  advance  at  the  time  of 
applying  for  the  water  and  before  any  permit  is  issued;  to  be  calculated  up  to  the  first 
day  of  May  succeeding;  and  all  rents  shall  continue  to  be  collected  in  advance  on  the 
1st  day  of  May  annually,  so  long  as  the  contract  exists;  and  no  contract  for  the  supply 
of  water  shall  be  binding  for  a  longer  period  than  until  the  second  succeeding  1st  day 
of  May  after  such  contract  is  entered  into. 

§  290.  No  person  or  persons,  except  such  as  may  be  licensed  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity  to  sell  water  to  shipping,  shall  take  the  water 
from  any  hydrant  or  water  connection  erected  or  to  be  erected  in  The  City  of  New 
York,  and  attached  to  the  water  pipes,  for  the  purpose  of  using  the  same  on  any  boat, 
vessel,  barge  or  pile  driver,  or  for  the  purpose  of  selling  or  offering  the  same  for  sale 
to  the  owner  of  any  boat,  vessel,  barge  or  pile  driver,  without  first  having  obtained 
permission  in  writing  from  said  Commissioner  under  penalty  of  twenty-five  dollars  for 
each  offense,  to  be  recovered  against  such  person  or  persons  or  such  owner  or  owners 
of  any  such  boat,  vessel,  barge  or  pile  driver  in  an  action  to  be  prosecuted  by 
the  Corporation  Counsel. 

§  291.  No  person  other  than  an  employee  of  the  Department  of  Water  Supply, 
Gas  and  Electricity,  or  of  the  Fire  Department,  shall  be  permitted  to  use  the  large  or 
double  fire  hydrants  placed  throughout  the  city  for  the  use  of  the  Fire  Department, 
and  any  street  sprinkler,  sweeper  or  cleaner  or  other  person  or  persons  not  connected 
with  either  the  Department  of  Water  Supply,  Gas  and  Electricity,  or  the  Fire  Depart- 
ment, found  tampering  with  or  using  any  of  said  hydrants,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a 
misdemeanor,  and  on  conviction  thereof  shall  be  fined  the  sum  of  twenty-five  dollars, 
and  in  default  of  payment  thereof  shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  for  a  period  not 
exceeding  ten  days. 

§  289.  All  persons  contracting  for  a  supply  of  water  shall  pay  the  cost  of  the  ma- 
terials and  labor  used  and  expended  on  the  streets  necessary  to  make  the  connection 

10 


with  the  conduit  pipes,  or  pay  such  annual  interest  thereon  as  required  by  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  the  Commissioner  of  Water  Supply,  (las  and  Electricity.  No  street 
shall  be  opened,  or  pipes  bored,  or  connections  made,  unless  under  the  direction  of  the 
said  Commissioner,  under  the  penalty  of  fifty  dollars  for  each  offense. 

§  294.  No  person  or  persons  shall  use  the  Croton  water  for  washing  streets,  side- 
walks, steps  or  buildings  from  May  1  to  November  1  following  in  each  year,  after  8 
A.  M.,  and  from  November  1  to  May  1  following  after  !)  A.  M.,  under  the  penalty  of 
five  dollars  for  each  offense. 

§  295.  Any  person  or  persons  who  shall  obstruct  the  access  to  the  different  Mop- 
cocks  connected  with  the  water  pipes  by  placing  thereon  stone,  brick,  lumber, dirt  or 
any  other  materials,  or  who  shall  permit  any  such  materials  to  be  placed  thereon  by 
those  in  his  or  their  employ,  shall  be  subject  to  the  penalty  of  fifty  dollars  for  each 
offense,  with  an  additional  sum  of  twenty-live  dollars  for  each  day  the  same  shall  be 
continued  after  notice  of  removal  shall  have  been  served. 


MINIMUM  OF  EXTRA  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  RATES  WHERE  SUPPLY 
IS  NOT  METERED. 

Under  a  provision  of  the  ordinance  previously  quoted,  establishing  a  scale  of  water 
rates,  these  charges  arc  imposed  by  and  may  be  altered  at  the  discretion  of  the 
( 'ommissioner. 

A  number  of  the  following  specified  charges  are  for  water  which  properly  should 
be  metered.  These  prices  are  fixed  as  a  basis  of  computing  the  charge  for  water  used 
between  the  time  of  the  beginning  of  such  use  and  the  time  at  which  the  supply  is 
properly  metered. 

BAKERIES — Each  oven  three  dollars  per  annum. 

RARBER  SHOPS.— Each,  up  to  and  including  three  chairs,  five  dollars  per  annum. 
For  each  additional  chair  one  dollar  per  annum. 

BARGES  (without  steam) — Each  five  dollars  per  annum  (water  for  domestic 
use  only). 

BATH  TUBS — Five  dollars  per  annum,  each,  in  barber  shops,  public  houses  and 
bathing  establishments.  Combination  stationary  wash  tubs,  having  a  movable 
division  in  the  centre  or  capable  of  use  for  bathing;  shower  baths  not  installed 
over  bath  tubs,  and  Sitz  baths  shall  he  charged  the  same  as  bath  tubs. 

BOILERS  OR  STEAM  PLANTS.  PE RM A NE NT —  (Except  those  used  exclusively 
for  heating  purposes).  Shall  be  charged  according  to  rated  boiler  horse  power, 
as  follows: 

For  each  boiler  horse  power  up  to  and  including  ten,  a  charge  will  be  made  at 
the  rate  of  ten  dollars  per  annum. 

For  boiler  horse  power  above  ten  and  up  to  and  including  fifteen,  a  charge  will  be 
made  of  one  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  plus  seven  dollars  and  a  half  per  annum 
for  each  horse  power  above  ten  and  up  to  and  including  fifteen. 

For  boiler  horse  power  above  fifteen,  a  charge  will  be  made  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty-seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents  per  annum,  plus  five  dollars  per  annum  for  each 
horse  power  above  fifteen. 

In  estimating  the  boiler  horse  power  the  heating  surface  of  the  boiler  will  be  the 
measure  employed.  The  heating  surface  will  be  defined  as  that  surface,  or  those 
surfaces,  of  the  walls  of  the  boiler,  of  whatever  form,  which  are  in  contact  with 
water  on  one  side  and  fire  or  heated  gases  on  the  other.  Where  these  walls  are 
curved  or  of  irregular  form,  the  larger  area  will  be  the  one  employed. 

The  following  units  will  be  used  in  estimating  boiler  horse  power  from  heating 


surface : 

Square  Feet 
of  Heating 

Type  ok  Boiler.  Surface 

per  Boiler 
Horse  Power. 

Plain  cylindrical  boilers   8 

Flue  boilers  (all  types)  '   10 

Water  tube  boilers  (all  types i    10 

Locomotive  type  boilers   10 

Vertical  fire  tube  boilers   12 

Horizontal  fire  tube  boilers   14 

All  others  not  classified   12 


11 


BOILERS,  NOT  PERMANENT — The  rates  for  hoisting,  steam  rolling,  dredging, 
ereeting,  hauling,  pile  driving,  derricks,  diggers,  conveyers  and  all  floating  or 
portable  steam  plants  shall  be  as  follows: 

Up  to  and  including  25  horse  power  $5  00  per  month 

"   "    "         "        50     "       "    ./J   8  00    "  " 

"   "    "         "        75      "       "   12  00    "  " 

"   "    "         "■       100  "   15  00    "  " 

Above  100,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  cents  per  horse  power  per  month.    Horse  power 
to  be  determined  in  like  manner  to  that  of  permanent  boilers. 
BOILER  TESTING — All  boats,  in  addition  to  paying  the  regular  fixed  charges 
shall  pay  an  extra  charge  of  $100  per  annum  when  engaged  or  employed  in 
furnishing  water  in  the  testing  of  boilers  in  other  boats. 
BOTTLING   ESTABLISHMENTS— Each  bottle  washing  apparatus  or  machine, 

ten  dollars  per  annum. 
BUILDING  PURPOSES— All  masonry  five  cents  a  cubic  yard. 

CANAL  BOATS  (without  steam) — Each  five  dollars  per  annum  (water  for  domestic 

CAISSON  SINKING  AND  AIR  COMPRESSORS — Ten  cents  per  hundred  cubic 
feet  of  water. 

CONDENSERS — Ten  cents  per  hundred  cubic  feet  of  water. 
CONSERVATORIES— Same  as  florists. 

DEMOLITION — For  wetting  down  while  buildings  are  being  demolished  a  charge 
shall  be  made  equal  to  one-fourth  of  the  annual  frontage  rate  charged  against 
each  building. 

DINING  SALOONS  OR  RESTAURANTS— Each  five  dollars  per  annum. 

FISH  STANDS— Each  five  dollars  per  annum.    If  live  fish  are  sold,  other  than  shell 

fish,  twenty-five  dollars  per  annum. 
FLORISTS— Each  five  dollars  per  annum. 

GAS  ENGINES,  ETC. — Using  unmetered  cooling  water  and  wasting  same  in 
part,  or  in  whole,  will  be  charged  for  at  the  rate  of  six  dollars  per  brake  horse  power 
per  annum. 

In  estimating  the  brake  horse  power  the  maximum  actual  output  of  the  engine 
will  be  taken. 

HOISTING  ENGINES — According  to  horse  power  of  boilers,  minimum  charge  five 
dollars  per  month. 

HORSE  TROUGHS — For  each  trough  and  for  each  half  barrel  or  tub  on  sidewalk  or 

street,  twenty  dollars  per  annum. 
LAUNDRIES — Each  wash  tub  or  washing  machine  or  apparatus  four  dollars  per 

annum. 

LIGHTERS  (steam) — H.  P.  and  L.  P.  same  as  H.  P.  and  L.  P.  tug  boats. 

LIQUOR  AND  LAGER  BEER  SALOONS— For  each  bar,  ten  dollars  per  annum. 
An  additional  charge  of  five  dollars  per  annum  for  each  wash  box,  and  for  each 
beer  pump  fifty  dollars  per  annum.    (See  Rule  10). 

MILK  DEPOTS — For  the  purpose  of  washing  cans  or  bottles,  each  washing  machine 
or  apparatus,  seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents  per  annum. 

MOTOR  WATER  BOATS— Charged  according  to  tank  capacity  of  each  boat  as 
follows:  3,000  gallons  or  less,  $7.50  a  month;  over  3,000  gallons,  but  not  exceed- 
ing 6,000  gallons,  $15.00  per  month;  over  6,000  gallons,  $25.00  a  month. 

PHOTOGRAPH  GALLERIES— Each  faucet  or  outlet  five  dollars  per  annum. 

PILE  DRIVERS — According  to  horse  power  of  boilers,  minimum  charge  $5.00  per 
month. 

SODA,  MINERAL  WATER  AND  ROOT  BEER  FOUNTAINS— Each  five  dollars 
per  annum,  one  wash  box  allowed;  for  each  additional  wash  box,  $3.00  per  annum. 

SODA,  MINERAL  OR  CARBONIC  WATER  MANUFACTURING— For  each 
machine  or  apparatus,  retail,  $10.00  per  annum;  for  each  machine  or  apparatus, 
wholesale,  $100.00  per  annum. 

STABLES— Each  stall  $1.00  per  annum. 

TUG  BOATS  (steam) — H.  P.  and  L.  P.  according  to  horse  power  of  boilers,  mini- 
mum charge  $90.00  per  annum. 

WATER  BOATS  (steam) — Charged  according  to  tank  capacity  of  each  boat  as 
follows : 

12,000  gallons  or  less  $25  00  per  month 

12,000  to  20,000  gallons   37  50 

20,000  to  30,000  gallons   50  00 

30,000  to  40,000  gallons   62  50 

40,000  to  60,000  gallons   75  00 

60.000  to  100,000  gallons  100  00 


12 


WASH  DRILLS — Ten  cents  per  hundred  cubic  feet  of  water. 

YACHTS  (steam) — According  to  horse  power  of  boilers,  minimum  charge  $5.00  per 
month. 

GREATER  NEW  YORK  CHARTER. 

§  478.  The  rules  and  restrictions  for  the  use  of  the  water  printed  on  each  permit 
shall  be  notice  to  the  water  takers,  and  shall  authorize  the  exaction  and  recovery 
by  process  of  law  of  any  penalties  which  may  be  imposed  in  addition  to  cutting  off 
the  use  of  the  water  for  any  violation  of  the  rules,  and  this  section  shall  be  printed  on 
such  permits. 

RILES,  REGULATIONS  AND  PENALTIES. 

1.  No  consumer  will  be  allowed  to  supply  water  to  other  persons  except  with 
written  permission  previously  obtained  from  this  Department. 

2.  No  alteration  whatever  in  the  piping,  in  or  about  any  service-pipe,  or  meter, 
shall  be  made,  or  be  caused  to  be  made  without  notice  thereof  being  previously  given 
to  anil  written  permission  obtained  from  tliis  Department. 

3.  All  persons  taking  water  shall  keep  their  service-pipes,  stop-cocks,  ball-cocks, 
fixtures,  meters  and  apparatus  in  good  repair,  and  protected  from  frost  at  their  own 
expense,  and  shall  prevent  all  waste  of  water. 

For  violation  of  this  rule  a  penalty  of  $2.00  is  fixed  in  addition  to  those  specified 
in  rule  48. 

4.  Applications  for  water  must  state  fully  and  truly  the  purposes  for  which  same 
is  to  be  used;  and  applicants  or  consumers  must  answer  without  concealment  all  ques- 
tions put  to  them  relating  to  its  consumption.  Applications  and  all  information 
furnished  shall  be  in  affidavit  form  where  required  by  the  department. 

5.  The  bills  for  water  supplied  by  meter  shall  be  rendered  as  often  as  practicable 
and  are  due  when  rendered. 

6.  If  payment  of  any  charge  is  not  made  within  thirty  (30)  days  from  date  when 
it  is  due  and  payable  the  Commissioner  may  shut  off  the  water  unless  the  method  of 
collection  is  otherwise  prescribed  by  law. 

7.  The  use  of  hose  inside  of  buildings  for  any  purpose  whatever  is  allowed  only 
where  the  premises  are  fully  metered. 

8.  Hose-bibbs  or  connections  outside  of  buildings  are  prohibited  except  where 
the  premises  are  fully  metered. 

9.  The  use  of  hose  outside  of  buildings  is  not  permitted  except  where  the  premises 
are  fully  metered,  and  a  special  permit  obtained  from  this  Department.  Permits  will 
be  issued  yearly  free  of  charge,  upon  application,  for  use  of  hose  for  sprinkling  or  washing 
of  sidewalks,  stoops,  areas,  house  fronts,  yards,  court-yards  or  gardens. 

Permits  must  be  shown  on  request  of  Police  or  Inspectors  of  this  Department. 
Hose  to  be  used  under  these  permits  must  be  water-tight  and  provided  with  a  stop- 
cock at  the  nozzle. 

For  violation  of  this  rule  a  penalty  of  So. 00  is  fixed  in  addition  to  those  specified 
in  rule  48. 

10.  No  hydraulic  ram,  engine,  syphon  or  other  appliance,  except  as  provided  in 
Rule  11,  requiring  for  its  operation  the  pressure  from  the  street  main  or  the  consumption 
of  water,  will  be  allowed  to  be  used  except  where  the  supply  is  metered. 

11.  In  cases  of  water  pumps  in  the  operation  of  which  it  is  necessary  to  use  water 
for  cooling  cylinders,  the  discharge  from  these  jackets  shall  be  connected  to  the  pump 
discharge. 

12.  All  roof  tanks  shall  be  provided  with  automatic  devices  for  shutting  off  com- 
pletely the  water  supply  when  they  are  filled. 

13.  No  fixtures  for  the  watering  of  horses  will  be  permitted  in  the  street  or  on  the 
sidewalk,  except  where  the  supply  is  metered.  Such  fixtures  and  their  connections 
must  be  kept  in  good  order,  and  the  water  not  allowed  to  waste  or  overrun  the  sidewalk 
or  street,  or  to  become  dangerous  in  winter  by  freezing  in  and  about  them. 

14.  The  opening  of  fire  hydrants  is  allowed  only  by  special  permit. 

15.  Fountains  or  jets  are  allowed  only  where  the  premises  are  fully  metered. 

16.  Swimming  tanks  and  plunge  bat  lis  are  allowed  only  where  the  premises  are 
fully  metered. 

13 


17.  Application  must  be  made  to  this  department  for  any  additional  plumbing 
fixtures  in  any  building  except  where  t  lie  premises  are  fully  metered. 

IS.  In  cases  where  it  becomes  necessary  to  meter  a  building  or  portion  thereof, 
credit  will  be  given  on  meter  account  for  frontage  rate  payments,  which  may  have  been 
made; in  advance,  for  the  period  intervening  between  the  date  of  the  setting  of  the 
meter  and  the  ending  of  the  water  year,  viz.,  April  30th. 

10.  The  officers  of  this  Department  personally,  and  every  person  by  them  delegated 
for  the  purpose,  must  have  free  access  at  proper  hours  to  all  parts  of  every  building, 
boat  or  place  in  which  meters  are  located  or  water  delivered  or  consumed.  Every 
Inspector  of  this  Department  will  have  his  badge  plainly  visible  on  the  outside  of  his 
coat. 

20.  Inspectors  of  this  Department  or  any  other  person  delegated  for  that  purpose 
by  the  Commissioner  must  be  allowed  inside  of  buildings,  to  shut  off  the  water  supply 
for  the  purpose  of  inspection  or  in  order  that  repairs  or  alterations  to  water  mains,  pipes 
or  stop-cocks,  etc.,  may  be  made.  At  least  one  hour's  notice  of  such  shut-off  will  be 
given  and  the  supply  will  be  turned  on  again  as  quickly  as  possible. 

21.  Permits  to  use  shipping  hydrants  are  granted  for  six  months.  No  extensions 
will  be  granted  for  boats  that  may  have  been  laid  up.  No  unexpired  permits  will  be 
transferred  to  other  boats. 

22.  Bills  for  expenses  or  charges  in  connection  with  meters  and  for  wrater  furnished 
through  them,  and  permits  required  therefor  and  all  information  in  reference  thereto, 
can  be  obtained  at  the  Bureau  of  Water  Register. 

23.  Owners  of  buildings  or  property,  any  portion  of  which  is  covered  by  meter, 
are  required  to  notify  the  Bureau  of  W  ater  Register  of  the  proper  names  and  addresses 
to  which  bills,  notices,  etc.,  regarding  such  meters  should  be  mailed. 

24.  In  all  cases  where  a  payee  desires  the  refunding  of  payments  made  in  error, 
or  of  credits  on  meter  accounts,  it  is  necessary  for  him  to  file  in  the  Bureau  of  Water 
Register  all  receipted  bills  in  question,  together  with  an  affidavit  setting  forth  the  reason 
for  the  request,  the  fact  that  he  made  such  payments,  and  that  he  is  the  proper  person 
to  receive  the  refund. 

25.  No  seal  placed  by  this  Department  for  the  protection  of  any  meter,  valve, 
fitting  or  other  water  connections  shall  be  defaced  or  broken  except  on  written  authority 
from  this  Department.  It  must  be  distinctly  understood  that  the  responsibility  for 
the  proper  safeguarding  of  these  seals  is  on  the  owner  and  consumer. 

26.  In  any  premises  where  water  can  be  obtained  through  more  than  one  metered 
service,  this  Department  reserves  the  right  to  shut  off  and  seal  any  service  on  which 
the  meter  is  not  in  good  order  or  from  which  it  may  have  been  removed  for  repairs. 

27.  Wherever  a  building  has  a  supply  of  water  from  more  than  one  street  main, 
all  service  pipes  entering  the  same  shall  be  controlled  by  check-valves. 

28.  Licensed  plumbers  of  this  city  and  employees  of  this  Department  are  the  only 
persons  authorized  to  make  connections  with  water  mains  or  to  set  or  remove  meters. 

29.  All  plumbers  shall  make  a  monthly  report  to  the  Bureau  of  Water  Register 
of  the  different  fixtures  connected  or  disconnected  by  them  in  premises  other  than  new 
buildings  in  course  of  erection.  This  report  must  be  made  under  oath  to  the  Water 
Register  on  the  first  day  of  each  month.  Official  forms  can  be  obtained  on  application 
to  this  Department. 

30.  Every  new  or  repaired  meter  before  being  placed,  must  be  sent  tagged  with  a 
memorandum  of  the  owner's  or  purchaser's  name,  residence  or  place  of  business,  to  the 
Department  Testing  Station  to  be  tested.  It  will  be  returned  within  forty-eight  hours 
upon  the  presentation  of  the  plumber's  permit  from  this  Department  and  the  written 
order  of  the  owner  or  his  agent  giving  the  name  of  the  plumber  who  is  to  receive  and 
set  it. 

31.  Plumbers  after  obtaining  from  the  owner  of  the  meter  proper  order  on  Test- 
ing Station  to  deliver  a  meter,  must  make  written  application  to  the  Bureau  of  Water 
Register  for  permission  to  set  same,  giving  style  and  size  of  meter  and  a  full  descrip- 
tion of  the  premises  to  be  metered. 

32.  Whenever  a  meter  is  removed  for  any  cause  whatsoever  without  permission, 
the  Commissioner  will  require  that  it  be  reset  or  another  put  in  its  place. 

33.  All  meters  are  to  be  placed  under  the  supervision  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
Commissioner  or  such  person  as  he  may  designate,  so  that  they  may  be  easily  examined 
and  read.  In  all  buildings  which  are  to  be  fully  supplied  through  meters,  the  meters 
shall  be  set  as  nearly  as  possible  at  the  point  of  entry  of  the  service  pipes.  The  service 
from  said  point  to  the  meter  must  be  kept  exposed. 

X  14 


34.  All  stop-cocks,  valves  or  curb-cocks  required  to  be  installed  under  these  rules 
must  be  of  a  pattern  ami  material  approved  by  this  Department. 

35.  Between  each  meter  and  the  water  main  a  stop-eoek  or  valve  must  be  placed 
on  the  service  pipe  within  one  foot  of  the  meter. 

30.  In  setting  or  resetting  meters  larger  than  one  inch  there  must  he  a  valve  on 
the  outlet  side  of  the  meter  in  addition  to  the  inlet  valve. 

37.  In  setting  or  resetting  li  inch  and  '_'  inch  meters,  a  full  size  tee  must  be  placed 
at  the  outlet  between  the  meter  and  the  outlet  valve,  with  a  short  nipple  in  the  tee 
and  a  cap  on  the  nipple. 

38.  In  setting  or  resetting  all  meters  3  inches  and  larger  a  tee  with  a  2-inch  opening 
must  be  placed  at  the  outlet  between  the  meter  and  the  outlet  valve,  a  short  nipple  in 
the  tee  and  a  2  inch  valve  on  the  nipple.  The  placing  of  these  tees  and  valves  is  to 
allow  the  Department  to  test  meters  without  removing  them  from  the  pipes,  thus  saving 
expense  to  consumers. 

39.  In  setting  or  resetting  all  meters,  their  connections  must  be  made  by  couplings, 
unions  or  flange  unions,  on  both  inlet  and  outlet  and  these  connections  must  be  bored 
for  sealing.    Holes  for  seal  wires  must  be  not  less  than  3-32  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

40.  No  street  shall  be  opened  for  work  on  service  pipes  or  connections,  or  water 
mains  tapped,  or  service  pipes  laid,  without  written  permission  from  this  Department. 
Only  persons  licensed  to  perform  this  class  of  work  will  receive  such  permission.  The 
particular  person  to  be  employed  will  be  named  in  each  case  in  the  permit. 

41.  Xo  water  shall  be  introduced  or  used  in  any  premises,  or  part  thereof,  which 
has  been  metered  in  accordance  with  the  rules  of  this  department,  except  that  which 
passes  through  the  meter. 

42.  Xo  tap  of  a  greater  capacity  than  5-8  of  an  inch  for  each  25  feet  of  frontage  will 
be  granted. 

43.  Xotice  must  be  left  at  the  Bureau  of  Water  Register  by  the  plumber,  fixing 
the  day  on  which  he  wishes  a  tap  or  plug  inserted.  This  notice  must  be  given  at  or 
before  3  o'clock  P.  M.  at  least  one  day  previous  to  the  excavation  for  the  insertion  of 
said  tap  or  plug.    No  tap  will  be  driven  until  the  service  shall  have  been  laid. 

44.  The  opening  must  be  made  2  feet  each  side  of  the  main  3  feet  long  and  six 
inches  clear  under  main,  and  be  free  from  water  so  that  the  tapper  can  do  his  work 
properly. 

45.  All  new  service  pipes  of  2  inches  in  diameter  or  less,  shall  be  of  "AA"  lead  of 
the  following  weight : 

f   2 1  lbs.  per  foot. 

r   3*  "   "  " 

1  '   4J  »      "  » 

1J*   5|  "      "  " 

ir   7*  "   "  " 

2  '   9    "     "  " 

Service  larger  than  2"  must  be  of  "AA"  lead  or  double  strength  galvanized  iron. 
This  material  must  be  used  from  the  tap  all  the  way  into  the  building  or  to  a  point 
where  the  service  is  fully  metered.  A  stop-cock  must  be  placed  at  the  street  curb 
encased  in  a  cast  iron  box  with  cover  at  the  level  of  the  sidewalk  pavement. 

Each  new  service  must  be  laid  in  a  straight  line  from  main  to  curb-cock,  and  this 
line  must  be  at  right  angles  with  the  main  to  which  it  is  connected. 

46.  All  abandoned  taps  shall  be  drawn  from  water  mains  and  plugs  inserted  in 
their  stead  at  the  expense  of  the  owner  of  abutting  property  towards  which  the  tap 
faces. 

47.  Any  plumber  who  shall  be  guilty  of  a  violation  of  any  of  the  rules,  regulations 
or  requirements  governing  the  distribution  of  the  water  will  be  suspended  immediately 
and  further  permits  to  him  refused. 

48.  In  case  of  violation  of  any  of  the  preceding  rules,  requirements  and  regulations, 
or  any  of  the  Laws  or  Ordinances  relating  to  water  supply,  or  if  it  shall  be  found  that 
a  meter  has  been  tampered  with,  the  water  supply  will  be  shut  off  and  any  advance 
payments  forfeited,  unless  such  additional  charges  as  the  Commissioner  may  impose 
are  paid  promptly.  Xor  will  the  supply  be  re-established  except  upon  payment  of  the 
expense  of  shutting  off  and  turning  on,  and  upon  satisfactory  assurance  that  no  future 
cause  for  complaint  shall  be  given. 

15 


PENAL  CODK. 


§  651a.  Unlawful  interference  with  water  motors,  water  service  pipes  and  their 
connections — A  person  who,  wilfully,  with  intent  to  injure  or  defraud: 

1.  Breaks  or  defaces,  or  causes  to  Ik-  broken  or  defaced,  the  seal  of  a  water  meter;  or, 

2.  Obstructs,  alters,  injures  or  prevents,  or  causes  to  be  obstructed,  altered,  injured 
or  prevented,  the  action  of  any  such  meter  or  other  instrument  used  to  measure  or  register 
the  quantity  of  water  supplied  to  or  consumed  by  any  person,  corporation  or  company: 
or, 

3.  Makes  or  causes  to  be  made  any  connection  by  means  of  pipe,  conduit  or  other- 
wise with  the  water  main  or  service  pipe  of  any  person,  corporation  or  company  furnishing 
water  to  consumers,  in  such  manner  as  to  take  water  from  said  main  or  service  pipe 
without  its  passing  through  the  meter  or  other  instrument  provided  for  registering  or 
measuring  the  amount  or  quantity  of  water  taken  from  said  main  or  service  pipe;  or, 

4.  Makes  any  connection  or  reconnection  with  the  water  main  or  service  pipe  of 
any  person,  corporation  or  company  furnishing  water  to  consumers;  or  turns  on  or  off, 
or  in  any  manner  interferes  with  any  valve,  stop-cock  or  other  appliance  belonging  to 
said  person,  corporation  or  company,  without  obtaining  from  such  person,  corporation 
or  company,  a  written  permit  to  make  such  connection  or  reconnection  or  to  turn  or 
otherwise  interfere  with  said  valve,  stop-cock  or  other  appliance;  or, 

5.  Prevents,  by  the  erection  of  any  device  or  construction,  or  by  any  other  means, 
free  access  to  any  such  meter  by  the  person,  company  or  corporation  furnishing  such 
water;  or  interferes,  obstructs  or  prevents,  by  any  such  means,  the  reading  or  inspection 
of  such  meter,  is  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor. 

§  2.    This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 

The  meters  approved  for  use  by  the  Board  of  Aldermen  are  the  Worthington  Piston 
Water  Meter,  the  Crown  Water  Meter,  the  Thomson  Water  Meter,  The  Trident  Water 
Meter,  the  Nash  Water  Meter,  the  Standard  Water  Meters,  the  Hersey  Disc  Water 
Meter,  the  Hersey  Rotary  Water  Meter,  the  Worthington  Disc  Water  Meter,  the  Key- 
stone Water  Meter,  the  Trident  Crest  Water  Meter  and  the  Worthington-Turbine 
Water  Meter. 


PreM  ol 

CLARENCE  S.  NATHAN 
Mew  York 

432-11-75,000  (X) 


